.au — Audio File

Various · 1980

Developer

Various

Key Features

Compressed storage behavior for typical audio workflows
Common MIME type: audio/basic
Recognizable file signature: 2E 73 6E 64
Associated with Various

Best For

Listening across devices
Portable sharing
Streaming-friendly audio

Less Ideal For

Multi-track session editing
Complex project packaging
Image or document workflows

Common Use Cases

Music playback
Podcasts and spoken recordings
Sharing sound files online

How to Open It

On Windows, open the file with VLC Media Player or Audacity.
On macOS, open the file with VLC Media Player or Audacity.
If the file does not open, confirm that the extension really matches .au and that the download or transfer completed without corruption.

What is a .au file?

The .au file extension typically refers to a simple uncompressed audio format, often used in older systems and for basic sound effects. It is one of the earliest digital audio formats and is known for its straightforward structure. While not as common today, it laid the groundwork for many subsequent audio file types.

Programs That Open .au Files

Platform	Program
Windows	VLC Media Player	Free
	Audacity	Free
	Windows Media Player	Free	Official
macOS	VLC Media Player	Free
	Audacity	Free
	QuickTime Player	Free	Official

Common Problems with .au Files

⚠️ File not playing in media player.

Ensure your media player supports the .au format or try converting it to a more common format like WAV or MP3.

⚠️ Corrupted audio data.

Try to obtain a fresh copy of the file. If the corruption is minor, some audio editing software might be able to repair it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an .au file?▼

An .au file is a digital audio file format, typically uncompressed and often associated with older Unix systems like Sun workstations.

Can I open an .au file on my computer?▼

Yes, many modern media players like VLC Media Player and Audacity can open .au files. Built-in players might require specific codecs.

Is .au a common audio format today?▼

No, the .au format is not as common today as formats like MP3, AAC, or WAV due to its simplicity and often larger file sizes for equivalent quality.

Technical Details

The .au format often uses the "8-bit unsigned integer PCM" encoding. The header for Sun/NeXT audio files (a common use of .au) typically starts with the magic bytes '0x2e 0x73 0x6e 0x64' (which spells out '.snd' in ASCII).

Did You Know?

The .au format was originally developed by Sun Microsystems for their workstations.

Security Information

Audio files like .au are generally safe, as they primarily contain sound data. However, as with any file, avoid downloading from untrusted sources to prevent potential malware.